Welcome back to Spain! Here's what to expect in our 'new normal'

[Iberia Airlines]

 

Across the world, throughout the spring of 2020 we've all been living through a global public-health emergency unprecedented in our lifetimes. But now, after the extraordinary measures due to the coronavirus and COVID-19 which closed borders and shut down tourism in most countries of the world, Spain is among those which have flattened the pandemic curve enough to return to "normal" as of 1 July, welcoming back foreign visitors - from most other countries within Europe plus 15 more from beyond the continent - with open arms.

But of course this is a "new normal," including a number of measures and rules put in place to maximise protections for holidaymakers and tourism-industry workers alike, as well as suppress any potential second wave of the virus (these provisions were tested by a trial project in June which allowed 11,000 Germans to visit the Balearic Islands). Some of these rules apply across Spain, whilst others differ depending on region, and not observing them can carry fines, such as 100 euros for not wearing a face mask in areas where they're required. So here's some of what you can expect this summer when you visit the cities, towns, beaches, and natural areas of this remarkable country:

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